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Obituary of
Thomas F. "Tom" Scanlon
(1855 - 1907)

Tom was the eldest of Michael J. and Mary (McDonnell) Scanlon's 14 children. He was born on December 15, 1855 on the family farm in Seven Mile Creek Township, Juneau County, Wisconsin. His parents had come there from Cincinnati, Ohio not long before. Tom worked as a school teacher before opening a dry goods store called Scanlon Bro's with his brother John in about 1883. The store was located in the small town of Lyndon Station, in neighboring Kildare Township. It was in business until the early 1900's. John died in July 1897 at the age of 40, so apparently Thomas carried on by himself for a few years after that. In 1905 his occupation is listed in the census as secretary for a telephone company. Thomas, a democrat, was also intersted in politics, holding several local positions. He married Annie Havey, also of Juneau County, in April 1897. They had no children. Thomas died in 1907 at the age of 52. Annie did not remarry, she died of tuberculosis in 1920. Related Items: Pictures of Thomas and his siblings. Ads for the Scanlon Bro's dry goods store he ran with his brother John. Obituaries for his mother Mary McDonnell and father Michael J. Obituaries for his sister Catherine Smyth and brothers John and James P. A 1923 biography of his brother Michael J.

Unknown Juneau County, Wisconsin newspaper March 1907 DEATH OF T.F. SCANLON       Friday morning the community was shocked by the news that T. F. Scanlon had died in the morning at his home in this city. Coming as it did so unexpectedly no one could realize at first, the truth, as only the day before he died he was down town greeting his friends in his customary manner. While he had been in ill health for a long time, his condition, during the past six months had improved so much that even the immediate members of his family had no thoughts of death and up to the last, could not realize that the grim messenger, was at hand.       On December 17th., 1855, in Seven Mile Creek, there was born unto Michael and Mary Scanlon, a son, the subject of this sketch. His early years were spent on the farm with the exception of the time he spent attending the Mauston High School.       Leaving School, he took up teaching as a profession and taught successfully for several years until he located in Lyndon establishing the mercantile business which was conducted until few years ago under the firm name of Scanlon Bros., by he and his brother, John Scanlon.       While living on the farm with his parents, even before he attained his majority, he was elected to the office of clerk and served in that capacity for a number of terms. For several years he served the Town of Kildare as chairman winning the confidence of his fellow townsmen by his honest straightforward manner of handling the affairs of the town for them.       The character of Tom Scanlon was truly beautiful and one that might well be emulated and not only won for him friends in his home town but gained for him a reputation that extended far beyond the confines of his own county.       In politics, Mr. Scanlon was a democrat of the Old School. When the democrats assembled in Mauston for their Convention in the fall of 1890, he was nominated by them for Register of Deeds.       In accepting the nomination, he assured them he would make a thorough canvass of the county though he considered there was no chance of success. While the other candidates were hopelessly defeated, Mr. Scanlon was elected by a handsome plurality. So well did he discharge the duties of his office, he was reelected in 1892.       On April 28th, 1897, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Havey who survives him. No children were born to them so the widow has not the solace usually afforded of turning to them for comfort at this time.       The wide range of experience and the gift of executive ability of the deceased made him an excellent advisor and many were the tangles and trials that were settled by his foresight. After disposing of his business interests in Lyndon he spent two years traveling through the south, returning to Juneau Co., and settling in Mauston at the expiration of that time. Since locating here he was Secretary and Treasurer of the Telephone and Electric Service Co.       The remains lay in state at the home until Monday when they were removed to Lyndon where the funeral was held from the Catholic church at ten o'clock. After the services the casket was opened in the main entrance and the remains viewed by friends. As one by one they passed to take a last farewell of all that remained of he who had been more than friend, the silent tears that fell on the casket expressed more eloquently than words could the esteem in which he was held. The members of the C. O. F.1 attended the funeral in a body and the Pallbearers were selected from the members of that order.       Besides the widow there are four sisters--Mesdames W. J. Troy,2 of Lyndon, A. M. McIntyre 3 of this city, W. B. Galvin,4 of Montana and J. S. Foley,5 of Kentwood, La. Two brothers, M. J., of Minneapolis and W. E., of Kentwood, La., also survive him. With the exception of M. J., who was unable to arrive on account of a delayed message to Hot Springs, Ark., the relatives were in attendance at the funeral.       The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful. In the absence of the pastor, Father Nevins, Father McKevitt of Necedah, officiated and preached a most touching sermon. 1 The Catholic Order of Foresters (COF) is a national Catholic fraternal organization whose purpose is the financial, social, physical and spiritual well being of its members. Tom's brother John was also a member. It was established in 1883 at Holy Family Church in Chicago, IL, with 42 members. It was founded by a shipping clerk named Thomas Taylor, to replace collections taken up for widows and orphans after a wage earner died. He hoped to sign up 1000 men who would contribute $1.00 each when one of them died, this goal was reached in 1887. 2Agnes M., wife of William J. Troy, a farmer. 3 Julia G., wife of Andrew M. McIntyre. He was a farmer in Lindina Township. 4 Margaret E., wife of William B. Galvin, a lumber merchant. 5 Maria V., wife of Jeremiah S. Foley. He was in the lumber business, and the family moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota, Louisiana and Florida.

Transcribed by Erica DeCoursey 2005